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Elkhart
Eden Index
Climate
7.9
•
Recreation
3.1
•
Community
2.1
•
Safeguard
4.8/10
Elkhart, Indiana is located in the Northern region of the state, experiencing a humid continental climate with hot summers and cold winters. The city is situated along the St. Joseph River, which provides recreational opportunities such as fishing, kayaking, and boating. However, the hydrology constituents in the river have been of concern in recent years, with high levels of sediment, nutrients, and bacteria. Elkhart has taken steps to improve water quality through stormwater management, agricultural best management practices, and wastewater treatment. The city also offers various outdoor recreation opportunities outside of the river, including hiking, biking, and birdwatching in parks such as Ox Bow County Park and Island Park.
What is the Eden Index?
The Snoflo Eden Index serves as a comprehensive rating system for regions, evaluating their desirability through a holistic assessment of climate health, outdoor recreation opportunities, and natural disaster risk, acknowledging the profound impact of these factors on livability and well-being.
Climate Health Indicator (CHI): 7.9
Elkhart receives approximately
984mm of rain per year,
with humidity levels near 83%
and air temperatures averaging around
10°C.
Elkhart has a plant hardyness factor of
6, meaning
plants and agriculture in this region thrive during a short period during spring and early summer. Most
plants will die off during the colder winter months.
By considering the ideal temperature range, reliable water supplies, clean air, and stable seasonal rain or snowpacks, the Climate Health Indicator (CHI) underscores the significance of a healthy climate as the foundation for quality living.
A healthy climate is paramount for ensuring a high quality of life and livability in a region, fostering both physical well-being and environmental harmony. This can be characterized by ideal temperatures, reliable access to water supplies, clean air, and consistent seasonal rain or snowpacks.
Weather Forecast
Streamflow Conditions
Southeastern Lake Michigan
Area Rivers
Southeastern Lake Michigan
Snowpack Depths
Southeastern Lake Michigan
Reservoir Storage Capacity
Southeastern Lake Michigan
Groundwater Levels
Recreational Opportunity Index (ROI): 3.1
The Recreational Opportunity Index (ROI) recognizes the value of outdoor recreational options, such as parks, hiking trails, camping sites, and fishing spots, while acknowledging that climate plays a pivotal role in ensuring the comfort and consistency of these experiences.
Access to outdoor recreational opportunities, encompassing activities such as parks, hiking, camping, and fishing, is crucial for overall well-being, and the climate plays a pivotal role in enabling and enhancing these experiences, ensuring that individuals can engage in nature-based activities comfortably and consistently.
Camping Areas
| Campground | Campsites | Reservations | Toilets | Showers | Elevation |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mississinewa Lake - Miami Recreation Area | 430 | 764 ft | |||
| Irwin City Park | 12 | 662 ft | |||
| Heflen Co Park | None | 639 ft | |||
| Jackson - Washington State Forest | None | 672 ft | |||
| White River Campground | 106 | 774 ft | |||
| Starve Hollow State Rec Area | 200 | 552 ft | |||
| Wabash City RV Park | None | 661 ft | |||
| Camp Atterbury Military | None | 715 ft | |||
| Delaney Creek Park | None | 584 ft | |||
| Johnson County Park | 50 | 741 ft |
Catastrophe Safeguard Index (CSI):
The Catastrophe Safeguard Index (CSI) recognizes that natural disaster risk, encompassing floods, fires, hurricanes, and tornadoes, can drastically affect safety and the overall appeal of an area.
The level of natural disaster risk in a region significantly affects safety and the overall livability, with climate change amplifying these risks by potentially increasing the frequency and intensity of events like floods, fires, hurricanes, and tornadoes, thereby posing substantial challenges to community resilience and well-being.
Community Resilience Indicator (CRI): 2.1
The Community Resilience Indicator (CRI) recognizes that education, healthcare, and socioeconomics are crucial to the well-being of a region. The CRI acknowledges the profound impact of these elements on residents' overall quality of life. By evaluating educational resources, healthcare accessibility, and economic inclusivity, the index captures the essential aspects that contribute to a thriving community, fostering resident satisfaction, equity, and social cohesion.